Making a 'Wheel' Difference: Community Bikes for Clean Water

Over 250 cyclists took to the street raising $20,000 for clean water (CNW Group/World Vision Canada)

CALGARY, June 6, 2017 /CNW/ - This weekend more than 250 cyclists rode 10km, 30km, 50km or 90km to raise funds for clean water. Local bike guru Chris Grant of Alberta Bike Swap was in attendance to provide an orientation for the course. 

The participants raised over $20,000 for a World Vision Water Project in the Baki District of Somalia. Michael Hardcastle and Ava and Lillian Furlong were the top adult and youth fundraisers.

For their efforts, Hardcastle received a hot air balloon ride and the Furlong sisters took home a Cocoon hanging tent and World Vision gift package.  

"It is absolutely inspiring to see people come together for a sold-out event to help others who they may never meet," said David Custer, Wheels for Wells Ride Director.

Ed Walzac, Marketing Manager for World Vision Canada, was thrilled that this year's event was bigger than ever.

"Today's event was a huge encouragement for me. Seeing Calgary residents come together for a single cause and having so much fun in the process was amazing to witness," he said.

Quick Facts:

• Globally more than 660 million people do not have clean water access.
• Each day, nearly 1,000 children under age 5 die from diarrhea caused by contaminated water, poor sanitation, and improper hygiene.
• Wheels for Wells was founded in 2012 by 11-year-old Alex Weber and has since raised over $165,000
• This is the sixth Community Ride hosted in Calgary, AB
• Wheels for Wells hopes to raise an additional $18,000 through their upcoming Vancouver to Calgary ride (http://www.wheelsforwells.ca/road-bike-tour)

Media Resources
High Res Photos: Here

More Information:
Web Links: http://www.wheelsforwells.ca/
Social Media: #WheelsForWells, @WorldVisionCan

World Vision is a Christian relief, development, and advocacy organization working to create lasting change in the lives of children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by our Christian values, World Vision is dedicated to working with the world's most vulnerable people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

SOURCE World Vision Canada

For interviews contact: Jenn Miller - 905-565-6200 x 3598 or [email protected]

Related Links

http://www.worldvision.ca